Joni Ames shares some deep and practical insight for the New Year…and all is good to pray and ponder as we prepare and walk into a new decade. From the significance of what this new season has in store to how we can prepare in very practical ways, like getting our household in order, Joni’s got it all packed into this one article.

Joni Ames:

Lord, I thank You that no matter how things look in the world, “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance” (Psalm 65:11).

Isaiah 60, verses 1 and 2, promises us that even when gross darkness will cover the earth, His light and glory will rise and shine upon His People—that’s us!

The year 2008 was a year of new beginnings and new vision; 2009 was a year of birthing, harvest and fruitfulness (a baby is born in nine months; September, the ninth month, is the harvest month; there are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit). Additionally, 2009 saw many “voices” of our day go home to be with the Lord. Just as when a caterpillar goes into a cocoon before it comes forth as a butterfly, death is an ending to one phase, but a New Beginning to another phase of life as well.

And so, in 2010, we will see many new faces and hear many new voices pick up the batons and mantles that have been passed down, and begin to run with them—even the healing anointing such as God gave to Oral Roberts. Want it? Just pick it up by faith and run with it! And know that to the degree that you are faithful with it, will be the degree that you are successful in it! As we move into 2010, it will be a year for the Church to begin to come into divine order, government, restoration, and responsibility, to the degree that we are willing to follow the leading of the cloud of the Lord.

The number 20 signifies responsibility, and 10 is divine order, government and restoration. As we submit to the Lord and resist the devil, and begin to take responsibility and seek for God’s order and follow His leading, His Divine Government will begin to be established and restoration will come—in our own lives and homes, our churches, businesses and nation. But we must pursue it and do it. Faith without works is dead.

Fruit of Your Ground Restored and Harvest of Souls

Ten is also the number standing for tithe—and as we come into a time of greater responsibility, many will recognize that the tithe is an important financial restoration point, especially during these times of serious financial stress. There are people who say this isn’t New Testament, but Hebrews 7:8 says, “Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.” So, if you need the devourer rebuked and the fruit of your ground restored—read Malachi 3. Then, as the Word says, try Him and prove Him!

Unfortunately, just as historically occurred in the Bible, people usually don’t return to the Lord until they need Him. So, thankfully, we will see many turning to the Church, to the Lord, and to their families in these times. Lay hands on the photos of your unsaved loved ones and pray that the Love of God and His Kindness will so permeate them that they will return to Him! (Romans 2:4)

Message For Those in Marketplace Ministry

Many businesses have crumbled, yet there are those who feel they are called to Kingdom Finances, and they are wondering why what is happening seems to be so opposite of that. But the fact is, they are in “Kingdom Finances 101″—a time of training. A time when they are going through things in advance of the blessing, so they know how it feels to be on the receiving end, and know they will not be condescending and/or stingy when they are the one “on top of the world.” Rather, they will deal with others with a compassionate and tender heart.

Those of you in business in this time and season must be flexible and willing to change what you are doing at a moment’s notice in order to continue to thrive. Be willing to follow the cloud, even in business. Be willing to be involved in four or five things at a time, and to let go of things at a moment’s notice from the Holy Spirit, and quickly move on to the next thing. Stop second-guessing God. To be stubborn or overly analytical in this time and season could cost you greatly. These are times when there is nothing that can be depended upon, but Him and His advice. Also remember the tithe as mentioned above as you prosper in business. Remember where you came from. Read Malachi 3.

Women Arise!

Just as there were “certain women” who traveled with Jesus and even supplied for His financial needs, God is calling many women into the Marketplace and into Ministry “for such a time as this.” The Lord has need of you!

Preparation and Prayer

Prepare your hearts in the spirit as well as in the natural for the days ahead. If you are going through something—don’t complain, but pat yourself on the back. You must be a threat to the enemy! Good job. Welcome to the club. Don’t give up! Fight!

The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12

The Bible is true. And while we can “pray some things away,” there are things it says we are going to have to go through. In that, our attitude will determine our altitude.

Even if we were at the very beginning of the seven years of tribulation, we need to have the mind set to make it all the way through—I believe we can. God knew we could make it or He wouldn’t have put us here for it.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Be Ready to “Follow the Cloud”

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Exodus 13:21

Again, the times we are in require flexibility and obedience. This is two-fold. We must be willing to follow the cloud at a moment’s notice, or to stay put—putting our anxiousness on the altar until the cloud moves.

Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:36-38

It’s time to get organized and be ready enough to even move at a moment’s notice! Take advantage of these cold, snowy days and clean out those closets, garages, attics, basements and junk drawers!

Once you are ready, the things God has been promising you will come forth. Even finances. Prepare for your miracles! Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”

Obedience brings forth great reward. Our obedience opens the door to God’s blessings. If we are faithful in the little, He will reward us with the much.

Spend Time with the Lord

We must be faithful to spend that time aside with the Lord in these times. True relationship with the Lord is the key to soundness of mind, peace, anointing, and power in these times.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Prayer

Lord, we come before You and ask that You give us wisdom, direction, strength, clarity, and peace of mind in this time so that we will know and do what is right in Your sight. Thank You for our families and this nation. Help us to be a people that will bless You. In Jesus’ name, amen.